Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Correctly ID These Common Pieces of EMT Equipment?

Talin Vartanian

Image: LeoPatrizi / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

EMTs use a wide range of tools and equipment to stabilize, secure and treat various ailments of a patient. Some of these ailments may be leg ulcers or leg swelling, while others may involve immobilizing a spinal or neck injury. Whatever the case may be, EMTs are trained with years of experience and expertise with a variety of medical tools and supplies.

Some of these medical devices include a ventilator, incubator and a bag valve mask. Other types of tools may sound more familiar to you, like gloves, a medications bag and a syringe. While these tools and pieces of equipment vary in purpose, they are all carried by EMT personnel on a daily basis.

Let's take a brief look at some EMT tools that you have probably never heard of. A suction catheter, for instance, is used to suction out excess mucus from the airway of a patient. If an EMT needs to check the blood glucose levels of a patient, he or she will often use a hemoglucometer.

This quiz is compiled with 40 different types of EMT tools and pieces of equipment that are used to help a variety of patients. It will be your job to match the picture to the correct name (of the tool) from the answer list. We believe in you, so let's get started on this EMT equipment identification quiz now!

Wiki Commons by Werneuchen

EMTs will usually have this on to prevent cross contamination with patients.

Gloves

Space blanket

Bandages

Shielded helmet

Wearing gloves is an essential part of being an EMT. Gloves will act as a barrier between the EMT and the patient, which helps to prevent any kind of cross contamination.

Wiki Commons by Intersurgical Ltd.

An "oral airway" is also called an ...

Endotracheal tubes

Oral passage

Oropharyngeal airway

Oral tubes

Short for "oral airways," an oropharyngeal airway is a small tube that allows the airway of a patient to become opened. This allows for proper breathing to ensue.

Wiki Commons by JonnyEMSJD

A BVM stands for a ...

Big valve mask

Biohazard bag

Bag volume mask

Bag valve mask

A bag valve mask is a mask that has an inflatable "bag" attached to it. This is used to give oxygen to a patient.

Wiki Commons by Anthony Appleyard

EMTs will use this tool to cut through clothing.

Craft scissors

Trauma shears

Stanley knife

Nasal canulas

Trauma shears are scissors that are designed for EMS use. Trauma shears can easily cut through almost any type of clothing material for treatment.

Wiki Commons by Santeri Viinamäki

This tool is used to check a patient's temperature. Do you know what it is?

Thermometer

Anemometer

Hydrometer

Blood pressure monitor

You might already have a thermometer in your household, which is also frequently used by EMS personnel. This handy tool gauges an accurate temperature reading for a patient.

Wiki Commons by ICUnurses

A "nasal trumpet" is also known as a ...

Nasal tube

Nasopharyngeal airway

Nasal breather

Nasal passage

A nasopharyngeal airway looks like a bent tube, and is commonly used in a patient's airway. When the airway is opened, oxygen can flow more freely.

Nurse Residency Videos via YouTube

This device is used to give a patient some oxygen. Do you know what it is?

Open chest seal

Nasal cannula

Thermometer

Blood pressure cuff

A nasal cannula looks like a thin tube which has two prongs at the end. The prongs go inside the nostrils to allow for the flow of oxygen.

Wiki Commons by ICUnurses

This device is used to deliver a high dose of oxygen to a patient. Are you familiar with it?

Thermal blanket

AED

Non-rebreather mask

CPR mask

A non-rebreather mask looks like a face mask with an inflatable bag attached at the bottom. It's typically used on a conscious patient to provide a high dose of oxygen.

MindrayInternational via YouTube

Which of these devices tracks a patient's vitals?

Continuous glucose monitor

Thermometer

Blood glucose meter

Transport monitor

A transport monitor is a small device that is used to check and track a person's vitals. There are various controls on the bottom of the screen for efficiency as well.

Pixabay / AAIREY

An _______ is used to restart the rhythm of the heart.

AED

BVM

Serotonin biosensor

Anemometer

The AED was invented by Frank Pantridge, and is used to provide defibrillation to a patient. Defibrillation is done by controlled electrical shocks.

Wiki Commons by Nadina Wiórkiewicz

A _________ _________ is a safe way to collect contaminated waste from humans.

Plastic bag

Biohazard bag

Garbage bag

Trash bin

Blood and body fluids are typically collected in a biohazard bag or bin. This is used to prevent the spread of germs, disease and contamination.

Wiki Commons by Dionisis Christofilogiannis

This piece of equipment is used to keep cold out, while keeping heat in. Are you familiar with it?

Thermal blanket

Fleece blanket

Wool blanket

Cotton blanket

A thermal blanket may look like a long sheet of aluminium foil, but it's designed to keep the cold out, while keeping the heat in. This is also perfect for patients who need to keep warm from shock or low body temperatures.

Wiki Commons by Dctrzl

Foreign objects can be removed with...

Trauma shears

Magill forceps

Tweezers

Tongs

Magill forceps kind of look like scissors, except the ends aren't sharp. These are used to remove things like bullet shards from a patient.

Wiki Commons by HujiStat

You can listen to a patient's heart by using a ...

Blood pressure monitor

Hydrometer

Stethoscope

Trauma Shears

A stethoscope is used to listen to the beat of a patient's heart, as well as how well they are breathing. A resonator is attached to a cord, which delivers sound to dual ear pieces.

Pixabay / frolicsomepl

This tool is used to directly give a patient medication. Can you name it?

Nasal cannula

AED

Syringe

Continuous glucose monitor

Almost anytime you receive a vaccination from a doctor's office, you receive it through a syringe. This handy tool is also used to directly give a patient medication via their bloodstream.

Wiki Commons by Trainer2a

Patients can inhale medication by using a...

Serotonin biosensor

BVM

Nebulizer

Blood glucose meter

A nebulizer is a device that allows patients to inhale their medication through a tube. This is often in the form of a mist spray.

Wiki Commons by KeepOnTruckin

A patient's pupil response can be checked by using a...

Penlight

Flashlight

Light bulb

Stethoscope

A penlight looks like a small pen that shines a bright light at the end of it. This tool is used to determine underlying causes from a patient's pupil response.

Wiki Commons by ML5

A patient's blood pressure can be checked by using ______ ______ ________.

Oral passage airways

Continuous glucose monitor

Blood pressure leg wraps

Blood pressure cuffs

Blood pressure cuffs are wrapped around a patient's arm to determine how high or low their blood pressure is. There is also a dial that is attached to the cuffs via a cord.

Wiki Commons by Raysonho

Wounds can be secured and treated by using a...?

Band aid

Bandage

Blanket

BVM

A bandage is used to securely wrap a wound for treatment. Bandages also help to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Wiki Commons by SPUI

If a patient has a broken bone, an EMT will often secure it with a ________.

Splint

Spinal board

Bandage wrap

Saline solution

A splint is used for broken limbs, and helps to immobilize the damaged joints. This will prevent the patient from attempting to move the joints during the treatment process.

Redtab Inc Amazon via YouTube

An EMT will help to rinse a patient's eye out by using which type of tool?

Eye bag

Eye bowl

Eye cup

Eye bandage

An eye cup is designed to securely adhere to the eye for rinsing. The cup is often filled with a solution, such as saline.

Wiki Commons by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Stratton

_____ ______ is a mixture that is used for eye rinsing.

Warm water

Saline solution

Diluted alcohol

Soap water

Saline solution is a mix of water and salt that is pH-balanced. This solution is often used for eye rinsing.

Wiki Commons by Dctrzl

A pocket mask is also called a...?

non-rebreather mask

CPR mask

Suction catheter

BVM

A CPR mask is shaped to fit over a patient's nose and mouth. The EMT personnel will then deliver oxygen to the patient via the vertical tube on the top of the mask.

Wiki Commons by Thomasrive

Excess mucus can be removed from a patient's airway via a...

Suction catheter

Nasal cannula

Nasal vacuum

BVM

A suction catheder is a tube-shaped device that is used to remove excess mucus from the airway of a patient. This tube is also attached to a machine that is used to suction out the blockage.

Wiki Commons by Joe Mabel

Used needles are safely disposed in a...

Garbage bag

Trash bin

Sharps container

Recycling bin

A sharps container is used to collect used and contaminated needles, as well as other sharp objects. This is typically in the form of a plastic bin.

Wiki Commons by Michaelberry

Blood can be drawn from a patient by using a ...

AED

Anemometer

Peripheral venous catheter

Syringe

A peripheral venous catheter is used to draw blood from a patient. This is often a long tube with a needle attached at the end, which is inserted into a patient's vein.

Easy Healthcare via YouTube

This tool is used to gauge a patient's pulse. Can you name it?

Pulse oximeter

CPR mask

Nasopharyngeal airway

Pulse tube

A pulse oximeter not only measures a patient's pulse, but it will also tell the EMT about your oxygen levels. The device will also give other readings, such as SpO2.

PrepMedic via YouTube

EMTs use this to keep all of their tools and devices in order.

Sharps container

Plastic bag

Jump-bag

Garbage bag

A jump-bag is essentially a large backpack that holds all of the tools and equipment that an EMT will use. Jump-bags also have many pockets and pouches of varying sizes.

Wiki Commons by Simon Schoar

An EMT will often use a _______ ______ for a patient with a damaged spine.

Spinal board

Splint

Bulb syringe

Bandage wrap

A spinal board kind of looks like a long surfboard, but is actually used to transport a patient with a spinal injury. The board and its surrounding straps will ensure that the spine is not moved or hindered in any way.

Wiki Commons by Nkansah Rexford

An ___________ is used to safely transport newborn babies.

Sleep pod

Incubator

Transport monitor

Jump-bag

Newborn babies can be transported for treatment via an incubator. The incubator provides a warm and safe habitat for the child.

OPENPediatrics via YouTube

Air can be delivered to a patient's lungs by using a _______?

Blood pressure cuff

AED

Incubator

Ventilator

A ventilator is a small machine that is used to deliver air into a patient's lungs. This is often done with tubes.

Wiki Commons by Smithpie

Infusion rates are controlled via an...

Syringe

V-Vac

Collapsible bag valve mask

Infusion Pump

When a patient is receiving an infusion, the EMT will often track the rates via an infusion pump. Syringe drivers may also be used for these kinds of purposes.

Diabetes.co.uk via YouTube

Blood glucose levels are checked by using a _______________.

Blood pressure cuff

Suction catheter

Hemoglucometer

Thermoelectric transducer

A hemoglucometer sounds fancy, but it's simply used to check the blood glucose levels of a patient. A small amount of the patient's blood is needed for an accurate reading.

Wiki Commons by Ciacho5

This device is used to immobilize potentially damaged joints for patients who were involved in a car accident. Do you know what it is?

Splint

K.E.D.

Spinal board

Transport monitor

A K.E.D. is a brace that is used for patients who were involved in a car accident. It stands for "Kendrick Extrication Device."

Wiki Commons by Alexisrael

A ______ _______ is used for a potentially damaged neck.

Splint

Spinal board

Neck brace

Radial gutter

A neck brace is used to secure a patient's neck in place to prevent any further damage. This is also known as a cervical collar.

PrepMedic via YouTube

This type of bag is used by EMTs to carry and store medications. Can you identify it?

Medications bag

Plastic bag

Biohazard bag

Sharps container

A medications bag does exactly what its name implies: it's a bag for storing and carrying medications. There are several pockets that are used to securely store a variety of medicine.

Pexels / OMNIA Inc.

A ___________ is a tightly-wrapped bandage that prevents blood flow to a certain vein.

Gauze

Tourniquet

Bandage

Neck brace

A tourniquet is applied to a patient to prevent blood flow to a specific vein. C-A-T and SWAT-T are examples of tourniquets.

Wiki Commons by Kees08

Bandages can be securely and safely held together by using...

Needles

Knots

Glue

Tape

EMTs will often use tape to secure bandages together. Tapes may also be breathable or non-breathable.

Pixabay / HeungSoon

A ________ is used to soak up body fluids.

Tourniquet

Gauze

Bandage

Plaster

A piece of gauze is used to absorb body fluids from a patient. The material is typically thin and features various weaves in it.

Pixabay / HeungSoon

Leg ailments, like ulcers, can be aided with...?

Compression bandages

Splint

Saline solution

Ventilator

Compression bandages are used to aid leg ailments, like ulcers and swelling. Leg veins are also aided with this type of bandage.

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